I put a linky on the last post in 2019 and closed it. I can announce its existence in Press too.

Based on what happened in the Good Riddance thread, I'd like to propose a new thread for education and discussion on all the -isms (racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, etc.). I don't like where that discussion was left and think it's not supportive of disabled community members to leave it like that. We don't necessarily need to keep hashing out that specific discussion, but it seems some education is needed. Ableism (and fat-shaming) are tougher for folks to identify because it's so baked into our language. I struggle with it often and want to do better.

I see the thread as a place to ask questions, share educational links, and have difficult discussions - it's a place to take conversations like the one noted above. I'd ask that we be open to new ideas and be ready to be uncomfortable. Discomfort is where growth happens. All love, y'all. This is a great community full of amazing people. We all, myself definitely included, make mistakes and have a lot to learn as our world starts to recognize all of the ways our language can be harmful.

I second the proposal.

Thirded.

Agreed, but probably not needed. I love the way Glamcookie is expressing this. We are doing this work at my job, too, and it is just so hard to sit in the uncomfortable space, and I think we need to have an uncomfortable but brave space here.

Just an FYI: sj asked that I let everyone know she likes this idea, but doesn't have the spoons to participate at the moment. Since we never want to put the onus on a person in a marginalized group to educate, we should still consider this thread.

I am super passionate about this type of education and think it's so very important. If we were to create this thread, I would be happy to commit to engagement as I'm sure others would as well.

I guess you should write up a formal proposal and open lightbulbs.

It's been a while, so please let me know if I need to tweak this.

Proposal A thread for education on, and discussion of, all of the -isms (racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, etc.) with the goal of being intentional about supporting all of our members and being good citizens in the world at large. This would be a place to ask questions, share educational links, and have difficult discussions (as needed).

Glamcookie, I would also commit. It goes along with some work I am doing professionally with nursing education. I seriously do not want to school people, just really encourage people to have hard honest conversations and think we would be remiss if we did not have that space here. We are very homogeneous as a group.

Thanks, Sophia. I love this work and need this education as much as anyone else. Definitely not looking to "school" but a commitment to growth and pushing beyond discomfort. Marginalized communities deserve for all of us to make this effort.